GAME THREAD: Steelers v Stars Sat/Sun, 23rd/24th April

[Bryan]

On reflection I don’t think Stars have another gear. We probably have at least two. Whether we choose to,use them is another matter.

[steeler pete]

I do think the performance tonight highlights the concern of a 3 year contract to the current coaching team.

I've not seen anything worthy of such an offer so far, hopefully they will turn it around or Tony Smith is looking like a soft touch again.

Think this is a bit harsh and reflects the disappointment of our apparent lack of success this season. I think we’ve had some misfortune, more injuries at crucial times than usual, an older team ( maybe they’re running out of steam) and crucially we’re finding scoring difficult of late.

That’s not all down to coaching or recruitment. There may be some lessons to be learnt but I have more faith in this coach than the last few.

We’re 1 goal down with 60 mins at least to play. We’re not down and out yet. I am a little nervous saying that but let’s wait til the fat lady sings.

[Bryan]

Have a feeling the first goal could be crucial for both teams

[Ron 25]

Before the teams came on to the ice we were given a view of the Steelers changing room, (as usual). Unlike previous matches, none of the team were speaking to each other. They all had the thousand yard stare. Was this their game face, or were their minds elsewhere? Or is there some division in the team? We'll never know. What I do know is that any confidence I had (which wasn't much), evaporated in that moment. I would like to think that they can turn this tie around, but again, my confidence is low.

[lovedenisvial]

Thought it was a really good game last night! both teams played fast physical hockey and the opportunities to score were limited in all 3 periods.
The game could have gone either way and which ever team scored it was a big dissapointment for the other.
Dundee played really well and deserved the win and they will be on a hign for the home game today, so I think we are up against it once again!!
I can't see anything but a 3 1 loss today and a sad end to a very promising season But!!!!! we have been here before and we have another gear to our play, so the first goal will be crucial!
Good luck to our boys they will need it!

[paul johnston]

I really don't understand giving up home leg advantage in the second leg. Beggars belief. I suspect it is to do with the fragile economy of all teams in the league. Steelers prefer a Saturday home game, Stars Sunday home game. Win win (financially) for both teams. Sports wise may bite us on the ass unless we can turn our form around tonight.

[Sttrinian84]

I really don't understand giving up home leg advantage in the second leg. Beggars belief. I suspect it is to do with the fragile economy of all teams in the league. Steelers prefer a Saturday home game, Stars Sunday home game. Win win (financially) for both teams. Sports wise may bite us on the ass unless we can turn our form around tonight.

Fox said it was to do with travel in the pod cast after last nights match. Dundee will have travelled twice, whereas we will only travelled the once before the away leg. How true that is we’ll never know. Makes a lot of sense, however, we all know £ talks and seems to take priority unfortunately.

[paul johnston]

I really don't understand giving up home leg advantage in the second leg. Beggars belief. I suspect it is to do with the fragile economy of all teams in the league. Steelers prefer a Saturday home game, Stars Sunday home game. Win win (financially) for both teams. Sports wise may bite us on the ass unless we can turn our form around tonight.

Fox said it was to do with travel in the pod cast after last nights match. Dundee will have travelled twice, whereas we will only travelled the once before the away leg. How true that is we’ll never know. Makes a lot of sense, however, we all know £ talks and seems to take priority unfortunately.

With them coming down a day early its a non issue. We'll so far anyway. Dundee will have got back home and had a long lie in today. Were we travelling up after game last night or today? If today its advantage Stars from that point of view, let alone being a goal ahead already and they are now at home.

[Jimmy o]

Yes this nonsense about avoiding travelling twice frustrates me too. Surely knowing what result you need, and having the home crowd behind you far outweighs a bit of extra travel!

[SteelerBlade]

We line up for Leg 1 with 19 players.

Brust starts backed up by Stojanovič

We are without Todd, Connolly, Polák, Graham, Shudra & Warburton.

Stojanovič gets the nod but otherwise unchanged.